A dynamic model for fish feed development

The main objective is to develop a mathematical model of fish metabolism and growth, which can be used for simulation and prediction of the effects of feed composition and feeding ratios on growth, feed utilisation, body composition and phosphorous and ni trogen discharges in fish farming. The model cal also supplement traditional feeding experiments and in some cases replace them entirely. The model will be a dynamic, structured model. This is a diferent approach from the use of data fitting models, which normally is used for the modelling of fish growth. The main advantage of the dynamic. structured model is the improved prediction power w ithin and outside the data range and easy calibration against real world data. Key processes like appetite, feed intake, transport of nutrients through the digestive apparatus, macro nutrient absorption and excretion from the fish body will be described. The model will be used to improve feed composition, ensure a sustainable use of feed resources , improve the cost efficiency in fish production and lower nutrient loss in fish farming. The model will constitute an important tool in development of optimal feed and farming solutions for modern aquaculture.